Comparison of chemical restraint techniques in ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Abstract

Chemical restraint in ostriches is usually required for short-time interventions. Thus, this study established and evaluated intravenous anesthetics formulated from commonly used drugs in order to accomplish total restraint on this species and allow painful procedures to be performed. Thirty male and female ostriches weighing from 40 to 90 kg were randomly distributed into five groups. Animals in Groups I, II and III were given acepromazine (0.25 mg/kg i.m.) and those in Groups IV and V were given xylazine (1.0 mg/kg i.m.). The following drugs were administered intravenously 15 to 20 min later: Group I propofol (4.0 mg/kg), Groups II and IV ketamine (5.0 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg), Groups III and V tiletamine-zolazepam (3.0 mg/kg). All protocols have produced satisfactory results regarding total containment, muscular relaxation and maintenance of the evaluated parameters within a normal range.

Allometric scaling for chemical restraint in greater Rheas (Rhea americana) with Tiletamine and Zolazepam

“…This system may interfere directly with plasmatic concentration of drugs administered on this parts of the animal’s body [5]. However, ensuing data in ostriches ( Struthio camelus ) reports similar and satisfactory results with drugs administered on the fore limbs and hind limbs [16].…”

“…Such behavior cannot be considered completely abnormal in the use of dissociative agents [11], justifying its use associated with muscle relaxing drugs and tranquilizers, to avoid such effects [5,6,11]. The plasmatic half-life of zolazepam, however, may be smaller than that of tiletamine, explaining the excess of excitatory effects during the later stages of recovery [11].…”

“…Application of all protocols happened in the same place, with the same participant crew, further assisted by the caretaker who daily handles all the animals. During the entire recovery period, all animals were kept in an inflated bed, to provide comfort and safety, as an agitated recovery was anticipated, to avoid self-trauma [ 5 ].…”

“…It provides several advantages, neutralizing possible aggressive behaviors, providing safety for all evolved and can avoid traumatic memories for the animal through amnesia [5,6]. Physical restraining is mostly inadequate in greater rheas, due to their size, aggressive nature and powerful hind limbs, leading to risks of self-trauma and to surrounding personnel [7].…”

“…As such, chemical restraint can become essential in managing these and other wild animals, even for simple maneuvers as clinical exams, biological samples collection and management techniques like capture and transportation. It provides several advantages, neutralizing possible aggressive behaviors, providing safety for all evolved and can avoid traumatic memories for the animal through amnesia [ 5 , 6 ]. Physical restraining is mostly inadequate in greater rheas, due to their size, aggressive nature and powerful hind limbs, leading to risks of self-trauma and to surrounding personnel [ 7 ].…”